-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Synonyms
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ultimately, Newcastle have decided the time is right to move on from the power couple who made all of this possible, who always believed and never gave up, who persuaded fans that ambition and yearning were not dirty words.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 10 July 2024
Now, changing customer attitudes, regulatory action, and improvements by larger financial players have made tipping and junk fees dirty words.
—Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Now, free trade is a dirty word for Democrats and Republicans alike.
—Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Mar. 2021
Hot With a Vengeance, Sable Yong looks to understand why vanity is still such a dirty word in a culture so obsessed with beauty.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dirty word
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1774, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share